Wales Golf has launched its “Give Golf a Go” campaign to inspire more women and juniors to embrace the sport. Introduced on Monday 17th June during the Summer of Welsh Women’s Sport “New2Golf’ event at the Vale Resort, the initiative seeks to make golf more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. It forms part of the broader Everyone’s Game strategy, which aims to grow participation and address perceptions of exclusivity in golf.
The launch featured appearances from prominent Welsh athletes, including rugby players Sian Jones and Molly Reardon, cricketer Bethan Gammon, and netball players Elle McDonald, Leah Middleton, KC Chawane, and Alex Johnson. They were joined by Wales Golf squad member Harriet Lockley and Natalie Powell, the first British female judoka to reach the world number one ranking, who now works for Wales Golf. Coaching sessions were led by former team player Jordan Ryan.
The campaign builds on existing efforts to improve inclusion for women and girls in the sport. A £1 million investment from the Welsh Government has helped upgrade golf club facilities across the country. Programmes such as “New2Golf” have already introduced thousands of adults to the game in friendly and supportive settings. Wales Golf also offers a junior development pathway that supports skill-building and confidence. In addition, the Flexi-Club scheme provides a way for newcomers to obtain official handicaps without the commitment of full club membership.
This campaign comes ahead of a major milestone for Welsh golf. Later this year, Royal Porthcawl will host the AIG Women’s Open for the first time. Welsh golfer Darcey Harry recently qualified for the event after winning her first title on the Ladies European Tour. Her appearance at her home course is expected to inspire more young women to take up the sport.
Hannah McAllister, CEO of Wales Golf, explained the motivation behind the campaign: “We know that when women and girls are given the chance to try golf in the right environment, they find real joy in it. But for some, the sport has felt closed off or intimidating. ‘Give Golf a Go’ is our way of showing that golf can fit into your life, whether you’re looking for a fun social activity, a new hobby, or a way to support your mental and physical health. You don’t need to have played before, and you certainly don’t need to own clubs. You just need to be curious.”
The benefits of golf include light physical activity, time outdoors, social engagement, and mental well-being. The sport is also suited to a wide range of ages and abilities, making it a long-term option for those seeking an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle.
This summer, golf clubs across Wales will host ‘Give Golf a Go’ sessions specifically for beginners. These sessions will continue after the AIG Women’s Open, creating a timely opportunity to grow interest. The campaign will offer structured pathways for women and juniors who want to progress their skills, with an emphasis on confidence-building and social connection.
By highlighting flexibility and inclusion, Wales Golf hopes to attract participants who may not have previously considered the sport. The response to the ‘New2Golf’ event has already shown that interest in women’s golf is growing. With national attention focused on the AIG Women’s Open, the campaign aims to build momentum and invite more women to experience what golf can offer.
